Top 7 Cheapest Electric Cars in 2025: Which One to Choose?

Dreaming of switching to electric but your wallet says no? Good news: with inflation easing, new Chinese models arriving, and generous incentives still available, 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect year to go electric without breaking the bank. Dacia Spring at €14,200, Citroën e-C3 at €19,100… discover the real deals to drive clean at a low cost and take advantage of the best offers on the cheapest electric vehicles. Whether you're looking for a new or used electric car, this comprehensive guide helps you choose among the most affordable electric models.

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Top 7 Cheapest Electric Cars in 2025

Since July 1, 2025, the traditional ecological bonus has been replaced by Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) funded by energy providers. New amounts: €4,200 for low-income households (deciles 1–5), €3,100 for others, plus €1,000 for overseas territories.These electric car models offer various options depending on your range needs and budget. Build quality varies by manufacturer, but all offer satisfactory warranties on their electric vehicles. The market now offers a wide range of cheaper electric cars, with attractive prices after CEE incentives. These EVs represent the best deals to go electric without blowing your budget.

The Big Winner: Dacia Spring from €14,200

Hard to beat in terms of affordability! The Dacia Spring retains its title as the cheapest electric car in France among all available models. With a base price of €18,400, it drops to €14,200 after CEE aid for eligible households.This electric city car features a simple yet effective design, with basic comfort suitable for daily urban trips. Its standard equipment is decent for an EV in this price range. Sure, its 230 km WLTP range (more like 180 km in real life) and modest 30 kW fast charging won’t make it your road trip buddy. But for daily city commutes or as a second car? It does the job perfectly, and your budget will thank you. Its standard manufacturer warranty and decent battery quality make it a safe choice to start your electric journey without overspending.

Our Favorite: Citroën e-C3 from €19,100

This year’s game-changer in the affordable EV market! The new e-C3 shakes things up with 320 km WLTP range and 100 kW fast charging for under €20,000 after CEE aid. No more “price vs. range” dilemma — it offers both, with optimized charging time on fast stations.Weekend getaways, family vacations… it handles everything with ease thanks to its suitable power and modern design. Unheard of in this price range! Available options let you personalize the car to your taste, and its 50 kWh battery offers excellent range for this category of affordable EVs. This electric car is an excellent choice for families seeking a versatile model at an accessible price.

Alternatives for Tight Budgets

Smart Used Option: Renault Zoe from €6,000

Not a fan of new cars? The used EV market is full of great deals for smart purchases. Renault Zoes start at €6,000 for early models, and between €12,000–18,000 for recent versions with decent range.Pro tip: a 2020 used Zoe with 50,000 km for €15,000 will give you more range than a brand-new Spring. These used EVs generally maintain good battery health and offer excellent value for money. One caveat: check battery health (SOH minimum 85%), remaining warranty, and available options. Don’t buy a used EV blindly! The used electric market now offers many reliable, low-cost options.

What About Social Leasing?

For low-income households (deciles 1–5), social leasing changes the game in the affordable EV market. It will be relaunched in September 2025, letting you drive a new EV for the price of three tanks of gas per month!Dacia Spring: €100/month for 37-month leaseCitroën e-C3: €119/month for 37-month leaseFiat 500e: €129/month for 37-month leaseThe trick with these leasing offers? No down payment required, and you return the car at the end of the contract. Easy as pie! This formula gives access to recent models with all modern features and full warranty. Social leasing democratizes access to new electric cars for all budgets.

Maximize Incentives to Pay Less

Since July 1, 2025, the traditional ecological bonus has been replaced by CEE funded by energy providers:€4,200 for low-income households (deciles 1–5, possibly 6–8 depending on household composition)€3,100 for other households (deciles 9 and 10)+€1,000 extra for overseas residentsValid until December 31, 2025Most regional aids for individuals have been removed or significantly reduced in 2025. Major regions (Île-de-France, PACA, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) now focus their support on professionals and utility vehicles.Some cities (Greater Paris, Strasbourg): occasional grants of €3,000 to €5,000 based on income and scrapping an old vehicleSome ZFE (Low Emission Zones) municipalities: variable local aidOur advice: Check directly with your city hall, metro area, or region as these aids change frequently and may be withdrawn without notice. Don’t rely on them for your budget — treat them as a potential bonus.

How to Finance Your Affordable Electric Car?

Lease-to-Own, Long-Term Lease or Loan: Which Option?

Lease-to-Own (LOA) is popular for its flexibility. You pay a monthly fee for 2 to 5 years, then decide whether to buy the EV or return it. Advantage: lower monthly payments and the ability to switch models regularly. Downside: higher total cost if you keep the car.Long-Term Lease (LLD) suits drivers who prefer to renew their EV regularly. No purchase option — you must return the car at contract end. Simpler but less flexible, this lease often includes maintenance and insurance.Traditional loan remains the most economical solution if you plan to keep your EV for several years. You own the car from day one and benefit fully from resale. Current interest rates (3–6%) make this option attractive, especially with incentives deducted from the financed amount.

Negotiating the Price: Tips That Work

Play dealers against each other. Margins on entry-level EVs are slim, but a €500–1,000 discount is possible, especially at month or year-end. Also, end-of-series models (older Zoe, Peugeot e-208 phase 1) are easier to negotiate. Same goes for demo vehicles with a few thousand kilometers.If the list price won’t budge, ask for a free wallbox, extended warranty, or options. These extras often represent €1,000–2,000 in value.Finally, choose your timing. Typically, late June (semester), late September (quarter), and late December are when salespeople have targets to meet and are more flexible on EV prices.

Our Advice by Budget

Small budget (≤ €15,000): Go for the new Dacia Spring at €14,200 if you mostly drive in the city and prioritize basic comfort in your electric city car. Otherwise, a 2018–2019 used Renault Zoe offers more range for €10,000–12,000 with better finish and options.Mid-range budget (€15,000–20,000): The Citroën e-C3 at €19,100 is the obvious choice in 2025’s affordable EV market. Versatile and modern, it does everything well with integrated options and attractive design. French touch alternative: Renault Twingo E-Tech at €17,800 for a more premium style and refined finish.Comfortable budget (€20,000–25,000): The BYD Dolphin at €19,800 impresses with its WLTP range and rich equipment for this EV category. Fans of Italian style will love the Fiat 500e at €20,800 with its iconic design and refined comfort — a perfect high-end electric city car.One last tip… anticipate WLTP range figures! The Spring’s advertised 230 km becomes 160–180 km in winter with heating. And if you plan trips over 150 km, make sure your future EV supports fast charging. No one wants to wait 2 hours at a highway rest stop… Also check max charging power, warranty duration, and spare parts availability before buying your electric car.

Affordable Electric Is Here!

With prices starting at €14,200 for the Dacia Spring and an e-C3 under €20,000, electric cars are no longer reserved for big budgets. CEE incentives available until the end of 2025 and the return of social leasing in September make these cars even more accessible.Our advice? If you’re still hesitating, 2025 is truly the right time to make the switch. Prices are stabilizing, the offer is expanding, and incentives are still available. Whether you choose a basic but efficient Spring, a versatile e-C3, or a well-equipped used Zoe, you’ll find an EV that fits your budget.Don’t wait for incentives to drop or prices to rise. Do the math, test the models you’re interested in, and go for it. Driving electric at a low cost is possible starting today.

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Written by Pierre – Electric Mobility Expert at Electra